SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 14-15 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a stunning picture book of a snowy walk through a big city, a rebellious Christmas Tree, a wintery adventure for horse lovers and an icy fantasy for Narnia lovers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SMALL IN THE CITY BY SYDNEY SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young boy walks through a busy city on a snowy day. He is small, and the city is big and noisy. Can the boy find his way home? A stunningly atmospheric book that will give children courage and show them that it's ok to feel small and vulnerable. The inky drawings and flashes of bright colour bring alive the wintry day in the city. The stunning artwork and simple, poignant story is perfect for sharing.

HB Walker £12.99

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE! BY SUE HENDRA & PAUL LINNET

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas time, and every tree on the street is beautifully decorated except one. This tree is a rebel! He doesn't want to wear glittery decorations. He wants to bake, go on a bike ride and watch telly. Can a gang of decorations, Bauble, Belle and Tinsel make him behave? A festive fun story full of warmth and wit with an adorable cast of characters. Perfect for reading out loud and getting children into the Christmas spirit.

PB Macmillan £6.99

SNOWFLAKES, SILVER AND SECRETS BY TRACEY CORDEROY

CHILDREN 8+

It's the Christmas holidays, and Bryony and her friends are looking forward to riding their ponies in the snow. When they befriend a family of travellers accused of stealing a box of silver Bryony must solve the mystery and remind people what Christmas is all about. The third delightful adventure set in Seaview Stables. This story is a must for horse lovers with a cute quiz and festive horse decoration to make at the back.

PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

THE FROZEN SEA BY PIERS TORDAY

CHILDREN 9+

When bullies chase Jewel into a mysterious old bookshop, she begins a quest into the enchanted world of Folio to rescue her missing aunt. Jewel's only help is her cheeky talking pet hamster Fizz and a malfunctioning robot. This spellbinding fantasy is an ode to the classic Narnia series with a sparkling cast and full of adventure. Ideal for reading on a wintry night and a lovely gift for fans of Nevermoor and Wizards of Once.

Quercus HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 7-8 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a beautiful  retelling of Russian Folk tales, a pop up picture book following the Christmas Star, a very festive but greedy unicorn and a selection of winter animal tales for young readers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

KOSHKA'S TALES BY JAMES MAYHEW

CHILDREN 9+

Meet Koshka, the extraordinary storytelling cat. She spins dazzling tales of enchanting snow maidens, sea princesses, firebirds and the witch Baba-Yaga who lives in a house on chicken legs. This stunning collection of stories is an imaginative retelling of famous Russian folk-tales. The exquisite illustrations decorate and frame each page in bejewelled colours like a stained-glass window. The lyrical and creative storytelling matches it. A book to treasure and a beautiful gift.

Graffeg HB £12.99

FOLLOW THE STAR BY ANDY MANSFIELD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Follow the story of the Christmas Star as it travels from Bethlehem to the top of the iconic Christmas tree. Children will marvel at the beautifully engineered pop up spreads on each page. The block colours add to the lavish and intricate scenes which feature a foil star with simple rhyming text. A delight to share some peace and love while exploring each page. A lovely festive gift for young children.

Templar HB £14.99

OSCAR EATS CHRISTMAS BY LOU CARTER & NIKKI DYSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

It's Christmas Eve and Oscar the Unicorn is hungry. He's already eaten the Christmas tree and the stockings! But what will happen when he eats all the magic reindeer food enabling them to fly? It's up to Oscar to make amends and help Father Christmas. The second hilarious story about this greedy unicorn is full of festive cheer and silliness. I love Oscar's bored expression and his grumpy feline sidekick. Children will gobble this up and keep wanting more.

Orchard PB £6.99

WINTER TALES BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 5+

A magical collection of snowy tales for young readers by much-loved authors including Holly Webb with adorable illustrations by Alison Edgson. Children will fall in love with the polar bear who wants to be a penguin, explore with snow leopards and a reindeer girl or enjoy a magic show. A charming stocking filler to curl up with at bedtime over the holidays. Perfect for early and reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.

Stripes PB £5.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV30-DEC 1 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous introduction to classical composers, a purrfect picture book retelling of A Christmas Carol, A handbook guide for Father Christmas and little ones plus a festive middle grade adventure sequel with dinosaurs and witches.

Perfect presents for Christmas

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

JAMES RHODES' PLAYLIST

CHILDREN 9+

Discover seven of the worlds' greatest composers. The rebels and revolutionaries of sound that were the original rock stars. From Bach to Mozart, Shubert to Ravel. Discover the influences they still have on your music today. A visually exquisite celebration of classical music in a stunning slipcase. It also features a large fold-out poster and an online playlist of the pieces discussed. Martin O'Neill's avant-garde illustrations are real show-stoppers. A lovely introductory gift for music lovers to enjoy.

Wren & Rook HB £24.99

A CAT'S CHRISTMAS CAROL BY SAM HAY & HELEN SHOESMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas Eve, and Clawdia the department store's security cat is on the prowl. She doesn't believe in silly festivities! When three lonely visitors arrive, they teach her the true meaning of Christmas. Can seeing her past, present and future make Clawdia into a friendly kitty? The playful illustrations capture Clawdia's quest in the store. A heartfelt and entertaining retelling of A Christmas Carol for all the family to enjoy.

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS HANDBOOK

CHILDREN 8+

Santa Claus is highly accident-prone and a bit clueless, so his elves have written him a helpful handbook. It contains all he needs to know, including reindeer tips, present prompts and useful tools like Santa Nav. Inspired by the Ology series, this is packed with flaps to lift, mini-books to read and a fun game at the end. Stuffed with colourful and entertaining illustrations, this is the perfect gift for children over Christmas.

Templar HB £16.99

THE CHRISTMASAURUS AND THE WINTER WITCH BY TOM FLETCHER & SHANE DEVRIES

CHILDREN 9+

One year after William Trundle's adventure with the Christmasaurus he is swept back to the magical North Pole to meet a mysterious icy witch! She controls time and helps Santa deliver all his presents on time. Now William and his dinosaur must help the witch save Christmas. The lively illustrations bring the festive family story to life alongside the clever use of different text. An enchanting read to gift and share over the holidays.

Puffin HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 23-24 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a hilarious teen romance, a picture book including dinosaurs and Christmas, and two middle grade adventures perfect for the festive period. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

INDIA SMYTHE STANDS UP BY SARAH GOVETT

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fourteen-year-old India catches the eye of the hottest boy in school her popularity rockets. Can she navigate a budding romance whilst dealing with embarrassingly strict parents and demonic teachers? Why is she finding the orchestra geek so distracting? A hilarious coming-of-age romance that was so funny I couldn't put it down! It perfectly captures the trials of school, its pecking order and the importance of friendship. For fans of Ferris Bueller and Stephanie Perkins.

Marotte Books PB £7.99

DEAR SANTASAUR BY CHAE STRATHIE & NICOLA O'BYRNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Does Santa deliver to dinosaurs? Join the mighty T. Rex on a Roar-some Christmas adventure about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur. Can Max and his dinosaur friends help Santa and go to their Christmas party? Kids will love spotting all the different dinosaurs in this action-packed tale about friendship. It's packed with letters, cards and fun facts to read alongside the hilariously festive illustrations. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud.

Scholastic PB £6.99

THE IMPOSSIBLE BOY BY BEN BROOKS

CHILDREN 8+

Oleg and Emma invent a new classmate called Sebastian, who becomes real! Things become stranger and more dangerous when they are pursued by the mysterious Institute of Unreality who want to capture and erase Sebastian forever. Can Oleg and Emma protect their new friend in time for Christmas? A magical and festive adventure with an extraordinary cast of characters. It is full of empathy, friendship and fun. A lovely Christmas present.

Quercus HB £9.99

THE PEARL IN THE ICE BY CATHRYN CONSTABLE

CHILDREN 10+

It is 1912. Twelve-year-old Marina stows away on her father's ship despite him ordering her to stay away from water. On the eve of war, Marina sails into a wild and oceanic adventure to uncover a secret. What is the dark shape following them? Inspired by classic folk-tales, shipwrecks and mythical sea creatures, this will take you on an epic voyage with a resourceful and brave heroine. Perfect for curling up on a cold winter night.

Chicken House PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 16-17 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a mysterious middle grade adventure, an introduction to woodland life for the very young, an inspiring compilation of heroes or villains for middle grade readers and a dark fairy tale fantasy for teens. 

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

INVISIBLE IN A BRIGHT LIGHT BY SALLY GARDNER

CHILDREN 9+

In 1870 Celeste wakes up in the Royal Opera House to find everyone thinks she's someone else. To discover the truth and save those she loves, Celeste must play a dangerous game called the Reckoning. A dark and surreal fairy tale which reveals it's secrets one by one. Gorgeous and atmospheric descriptions of backstage bring the mystery and colourful cast to life. For fans of Amy Wilson and Abi Elphinstone.

Zephyr Books HB £10.99

GOODNIGHT FOREST BY CARMEN SALDANA & BECKY DAVIES

BOARD BOOK 1+

Peep through the forest in the soft dawn of light. Young children will be fascinated by how all the different animals and birds sleep and live. A fox hole is called a den. Owls hunt at night. Deers take short naps! Tiptoe through the undergrowth and explore the treetops in this beautifully illustrated board book with peep-through pages. Fun facts and rhyming text will delight little ones just before bedtime. Also available is Goodnight Ocean.

Little Tiger HB £7.99

EPIC TALES OF TRIUMPH AND ADVENTURE BY SIMON CHESHIRE & FATTI BURKE

CHILDREN 9+

Meet 66 exceptionally brave and inspiring men and women. Children will be fascinated by epic tales and triumphs and discoveries of heroes and villains. Dive into unexplored oceans with Jacques Piccard or sail them with pirate Anne Bonny. Climb Mount Everest with Junko Tabei or become a spy with Marthe Cnockaert. The double spreads with bold illustrations on each historical figure are perfect for dipping into. A vast collection to explore for little adventurers.

Bloomsbury HB £12.99

PET BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When Jam discovers a horned creature called Pet emerging from her mother's painting, she must help it chase away a monster in her best friend's house. A dark and lyrical modern-day fairytale about friendship and bravery. I loved the diverse cast of characters and the imaginative world where all is not what it appears. It also deals with sensitive and hard-hitting subjects about facing fears and the abuse of power. Thought-provoking and profound.

Faber PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include for Rememberance Sunday an inspiring second world war drama and a stirring illustrated middle grade novel about the importance of truth set in the First World War. My column also includes a picture book about learning to cope with bereavement, and lastly for the holidays a return to the Shadowhunters world with a fan favourite. 

The two World War books are perfect to learn about that period and start a conversation in class. They are also inspiring and insightful.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

1942 Lale is imprisoned in Auschwitz just because he is Jewish. His job is tattooing numbers of fellow victims. When he meets Gita it's love at first sight. Will they survive the horror of war? Based on real events, this pulsates with courage, friendship and daring. A deeply moving and inspiring story that should be a must for every school. Information and points of discussion are in the back. A story never to be forgotten.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

WAITING FOR WOLF BY SANDRA DIECKMANN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Fox and Wolf spend a perfect day together, talking, laughing, playing and watching stars. One day Wolf is gone. How will Fox cope? A stunningly illustrated and lyrical story about friendship, loss and grief. A perfect story to start a discussion with children about learning to cope with bereavement by remembering treasured memories. The magical illustrations capture the emotion of the scenes from happy to sad and ends with a positive heartwarming message.

HB Hodder £12.99

CAPTAIN ROSALIE BY TIMOTHEE DE FOMBELLE & ISABELLE ARSENAULT

CHILDREN 8+

Rosalie is five, and she is on a secret mission to learn to read. Her father is at war, and her mother reads his letters to her until one day she stops. Can Rosalie find out the truth? A moving story that reveals the tragedy of war through a child's eyes. The story is complemented by the atmospheric ink drawings and flashes of Rosalie's red hair against the darkness. It illustrates the importance of truth and togetherness and a pertinent conversation starter about Remembrance Day.

Walker Books PB £6.99

THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC BY CASSANDRA CLARE & WESLEY CHU

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A welcome return to the Shadowhunters world with fan favourite High Warlock Magnus Bane in the lead role. Magnus is on holiday with his boyfriend, Alex Lightwood. But before long they are chasing the evil leader of a demon-worshipping cult. A fun romp through the most glamorous European cities plus ladles of adventure, magic and romance. This is suitable for fans and newcomers who will love the diverse cast and sense of loyalty and honour at its heart.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOVE 2-3 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a beautiful middle grade fantasy inspired by Nordic Fairytales, a picture book about a magical dinosaur, a middle grade book for the seasons by a favourite author and a mythical adventure for teens.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NORTH CHILD BY EDITH PATTOU

CHILDRENS 9+

An irresistible winters tale based on Scandinavian fairy tales and Beauty and The Beast. An epic adventure that takes Rose to an enchanted snowbound castle on the back of a white bear. Who is the stranger that appears to her nightly? The cast of magical characters and the stunning world building is spellbinding. A romantic adventure of true friendship that will sweep you off your feet. For fans of Phillip Pullman and Sophie Anderson.

PB Usborne Publishing £7.99

THE GIRL AND THE DINOSAUR BY HOLLIE HUGHES & SARAH MASSINI

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Marianne finds a dinosaur skeleton on the beach when she is digging in the sand. She calls it Bony. When Bony magically comes to life, they go on a whimsical adventure meeting fairies, unicorns and giants. An engaging story about the power of dreams and the belief anything is possible. The evocative illustrations capture the seaside and fantastical elements perfectly. It will take children on an enchanting journey before bedtime.

HB Bloomsbury £10.99

STORIES FOR EVERY SEASON BY ENID BLYTON

CHILDREN 8+

A beautiful treasury of stories for every season by one of the world's best-loved storytellers. Bursting with charming full -colour illustrations by Becky Cameron throughout this is perfect for reading aloud or for young readers. Step into a world of magic and nature where elfin tailors make clothes from autumn leaves or meet a fairy in a seashell. Divided into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter this is a lovely gift for all occasions throughout the year.

Hodder HB £19.99

DEEPLIGHT BY FRANCES HARDINGE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Fourteen-year-old street urchins Hark and his best friend Jelt dive under the sea for the relics of long-dead gods to sell. When the sea tries to claim Jelt Hark will do anything to save him. But what must he sacrifice? A thrilling adventure in an extraordinarily imagined world about friendship, power and storytelling. Submerge yourself in this underwater mythical world of Gods. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo.

Macmillan HB £12.99